Haley: S.C. Tourism Recovering Despite Bad Economy

Gov. Nikki Haley came to Charleston Wednesday to celebrate the Holy City's selection as the top travel destination in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

Haley chose Charles Towne Landing in West Ashley, the site of the first European settlement in South Carolina to commemorate the honor. Haley praised S.C. Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Duane Parrish for the work his agency has done to rebuild the state's tourism industry in the wake of the 2008 financial collapse and recession.

Haley said while her husband's family is from Hilton Head, and that her family often spends time there, that her favorite places in South Carolina are the less traveled ones.

"Charleston speaks for itself," Haley said in response to a question about her favorite spot in South Carolina. "But I'm a country girl at heart. I love driving down those long country roads in the rural parts of our state."

Noting that tourism is increasing again in South Carolina while it is still lagging behind in many other places, Haley said the Palmetto State has been successful in attracting visitors despite the less than ideal economic conditions, which she laid at the feet of the Obama Administration.

Haley and Parish, while acknowledging Charleston's accomplishment in earning the top destination ranking, spent a lot of time also highlighting other parts of the state popular with tourists, including Myrtle Beach (named a top family beach destination), Hilton Head Island (named a top island resort), the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia and gardens in Greenville and Rock Hill.